New Zealand has one of the top five reputations in the world, in the eyes of the globe’s leading nations, new research shows.

The CountryRep study, produced annually by the Reputation Institute in conjunction with Australian research consultancy AMR, put New Zealand at fifth place overall for reputation, trailing behind Canada (1), Sweden (2), Australia (3), and Switzerland (4).

Pakistan, Iran and Iraq were seen as having the least favourable reputations among the more than 50 countries included in the study.

It is the first time New Zealand has been included in the annual research, which polled more than 42,000 residents from G8 nations.

AMR’s reputation practice director and general manager Oliver Freedman said New Zealand’s strength lay in its physical beauty, with the country ranking fourth out of all countries judged.

Respondents also ranked New Zealand in the top ten for being an enjoyable country and offering an appealing lifestyle.

The country was also recommended as a good place to live, visit and to work by respondents, who ranked New Zealand in the top five in this category.

Meanwhile the surveyed revealed New Zealanders were not short on confidence in their own country, and were more positive about themselves than any other nation included in the survey.

Australians came in second, with residents of Greece the most self-critical, coming in last among the countries assessed.

Freedman said New Zealand had a strong profile overseas and its reputation was consistent across multiple measurements.

“In order to continue this strong perception New Zealand would do well to focus on its social areas such as its commentary on world events, and involvement as a global citizen.”

Other results showed that the USA only ranked halfway in the overall rankings while Pakistan, Iran and Iraq were seen as having the least favourable reputations among G8 nation residents.

Global reputation rankings

1. Canada
2. Sweden
3. Australia
4. Switzerland
5. New Zealand
6. Norway
7. Denmark
8. Finland
9. Scotland
10. Austria

– Homepage image / File, CM Kong
– nzherald.co.nz